Looking for experience/info regarding your child being treated naturally with suppliments and diet. Is the change enough for them to progress in school/with tasks, etc.? We are looking into treatment for our son. We have not done any extreme changes to diet but son eats fairly balanced foods with the occasional sweet/ processed food. Please share what you have done and if it has honestly helped.
First, I’ll say that any "natural" treatment for ADHD is usually not supported by allopathic medicine because there is no proof that any of them are effective. With that being said, a lot of people claim that eliminating sugar from the diet reduces symptoms. This dietary modification certainly can’t do any harm, so it might be worth a try. Maybe just eliminate the occasional sweets you were talking about and see if that helps. Others blame gluten and casein and put their kids on the respective dietary restrictions. Again, there is no proof that any of these diets work, but it doesn’t hurt to try for a short period of time. Keep in mind that if you put your child on a special diet, there is a greater risk that he or she will become malnourished. Having said all of this, I still say that you should discuss this issue with your child’s pediatrician.
Natural treatment for child Adhd?
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September 29th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
ADHD is an ongoing behavior disorder typically diagnosed at age five or six, though the symptoms have usually been observed much earlier than this age. The three key symptoms are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. These symptoms typically interfere with the child’s functioning in social and academic settings. The diagnostic criteria were outlined in 1994 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association). To meet the diagnostic criteria, these symptoms, exemplified below, must have been present for at least six months.
Inattention:
* Often fails to give attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
* Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
* Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
* Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
* Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
* Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
* Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (for example, toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
* Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
* Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity:
* Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
* Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
* Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
* Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
* Often talks excessively
Impulsivity:
* Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
* Often experiences difficulty awaiting turn
* Often interrupts or intrudes on others (for example, butts into conversations or games)
One can see why there is an age limitation on these behaviors being defined as "abnormal," as the majority of them are typical of much younger children. But in the non-ADHD child, these behaviors are typically outgrown. And, of course, there are a variety of other conditions in which these symptoms occur but are not ADHD. Your doctor must carry out a very detailed evaluation before the diagnosis of ADHD is made. But please don’t delay! If you or your child’s teachers suspect ADHD, begin the evaluation as soon as possible. The early recognition and treatment of ADHD is critical in your child’s long-term success.
Thank you for your question.
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September 29th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
First, I’ll say that any "natural" treatment for ADHD is usually not supported by allopathic medicine because there is no proof that any of them are effective. With that being said, a lot of people claim that eliminating sugar from the diet reduces symptoms. This dietary modification certainly can’t do any harm, so it might be worth a try. Maybe just eliminate the occasional sweets you were talking about and see if that helps. Others blame gluten and casein and put their kids on the respective dietary restrictions. Again, there is no proof that any of these diets work, but it doesn’t hurt to try for a short period of time. Keep in mind that if you put your child on a special diet, there is a greater risk that he or she will become malnourished. Having said all of this, I still say that you should discuss this issue with your child’s pediatrician.
References :
September 29th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
When my son was younger, I did alter the diet. I first read the book called, "Allergies and the Hyperactive Child", by Dr. Doris Rapp. You can get this book on used booksites, online. This book is extremely informative for this subject and very helpful. I found that peanut products were especially problematic for my son. If he ate these, it caused temper outbursts. Sugary things made him silly, active and less likely to listen to me. Orange juice caused him to become very frustrated with things such as video games, which would normally be a pleasure for him to play. He was also found to be sensitive to milk, wheat, and tomatoes. The book explains how to implement an elimation diet to help learn what may be causing problems. Additionally, it is suggested that a candida infection may be the causitive factor in these sensitivities and elimating this might useful. Hope you read the book and find out what might help.
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September 29th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I’m in the same boat as you, and the behavioral methods in this article really helped my child with problematic behaviors with no medications. Best of all, it finally gave my family peace and quiet.
Proven Methods For Treating Attention Deficit Disorder
http://www.hearts-and-kisses.com/attention-deficit-disorder.html
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